I think I’d apply for the position of guy who’s super interested in something that’s only interesting cause it’s gsmeplay relevant. I’d stand by a river staring at it day and night and when the protagonist talks to me I’d say “I’d bet I could use a boat to cross this river.”
I’m that weird collector always asking for your stuff and giving nothing back, but if you give me one of all 297 unique item types I forge them all into the Ultimate Weapon for your jack-of-all-trades party member. Of course I don’t help you keep track of what items you gave me, how did you know?